Work has officially started to address the long-standing flooding problem at the Stoffberg Avenue subway, bringing relief to residents, motorists and local businesses affected by the persistent hazard.

As reported by the Brakpan Herald in January, city officials confirmed that persistent flooding at the subway is caused by a deteriorating stormwater canal.

“The root cause of the problem was identified as a deteriorating and partially collapsed stormwater canal and not merely surface rainwater,” said Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius.

“The critical failure in the stormwater infrastructure resulted in water infiltrating the surrounding soil and eventually forcing its way up through the road surface explaining why repeated resurfacing efforts failed to resolve the issue.

“Following sustained pressure, oversight, and continuous engagement the municipality has now begun clearing the blocked and collapsed stormwater canal, a long-overdue but welcome intervention.

“This marks the first and necessary step toward addressing the root cause of the flooding.”

According to Pretorius, once the canal clearing is completed, the roads department will proceed with the next phase, which includes:

• Preparing and reinstating the stormwater drainage system.
• Restoring proper pressure-relief mechanisms.
• Repairing and rehabilitating the damaged roadway.

“These interventions are essential to ensure a permanent solution, rather than the short-term fixes that have failed residents in the past,” said Pretorius.

“This progress and others to come in Brakpan follows numerous engagements with departments and the mayor and comes after the approval of the adjustment budget, which has enabled the necessary work to finally commence.”

Pretorius stated that is unacceptable that residents have had to endure years of flooding, infrastructure failure, and dangerous conditions before meaningful action was taken.

“We will continue to apply pressure and conduct strict oversight to ensure that the project is completed without delay, that the full scope of repairs is implemented, and that residents receive the safe, reliable infrastructure they deserve.”

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